It has been over two months and a half since school has begun, and so did my friendship with Sean, Selica, and Luke.
To be honest, since we got to have time and stay with each other every day, we've gotten quite close.
I can see Sean and Luke as my younger brothers or something like that, I just have a sense of helping them whenever they aren't doing well, and, as for Selica, I haven't made any big moves on her like kissing and stuff, sometimes licking her hand or neck but no more than that.
Since, if I look by the standards of Earth, she is still a minor at sixteen years old. Even though the age to be considered a grown-up here is fifteen.
So, really, even if I did something with her, it wouldn't be an issue.
But no!
My sense of responsibility and guilt doesn't allow me to, since I'm over thirty years now if you take into count my previous years of living in another world.
"Still, this is quite weird, reincarnating into my own novel which I had only thought of the main event to happen in it." I voiced to myself as I was seated on an even grass parcel on the school grounds.
The sun had set about an hour ago and the splattered sky with darkness was still shining with stars all around.
I instinctually raised my hand while gazing at the moon, I clenched my fist over it, obscuring my vision of the moon, "I wonder what I would name this novel, or about the main character, I just hope he's doing better than how I had imagined him to do."
Yes, the main character of my novel, whom I didn't even name before dying, had a tough backstory.
I wanted him to go through many hardships as a child so he awakened early on, and of course, make that a factor to make him a little more overpowered than the rest of the cast.
"I just hope the time doesn't close in on me when I'm not ready to face that…" I whispered.
To be honest, just thinking about what is approaching in the unknown future, still makes me feel a shiver down my spine.
"Helis," A soft, melodious voice to the ear called out to me from behind, "Aren't you going to go home?" Selica spoke with raised brows.
I let out a deep breath before talking, "I don't know, I just feel like having some alone time to myself. Playing the bright guy all the time isn't really my thing, so it tires me out quite a lot." I spoke quietly, not having the energy to speak how I usually do.
Step, step, step.
I heard the soft steps approaching me from behind and then placing herself next to me.
She slumped down on the ground elegantly, as the noble girl that she was, and then took a breath to talk, "Then why play the bright guy?" She asked, staring me in the eye.
Ah, those wide and blue eyes that shine like wonderful sapphires under the blue night…
I can't even look at them directly, "Pfft, what would happen if I didn't do so? Everything would be gloomy, you know?"
"That's fine too, I'm not staying with you for the persona you display in front of other people. I can feel your act even during class whenever you speak to the guys."
"Hmm," I just hummed, still averting my eyes from her.
I played around with the grass, twirling a thread around my finger, "You know it doesn't work like that," My voice came out muffled since my mouth was covered by the knees of mine that I was hugging.
"But it does, do you remember the first day I spoke to you? I only did so because I realized right away that you are a proper and serious guy, you know? That's why I made you be my boyfriend so all the little pests wouldn't annoy me."
See? You also used me as a shield. I wanted to say but didn't.
I breathed deeply again, "Selica, to be honest, I don't even know what I'm trying to gain by training you, Sean, and Luke." I began voicing my thoughts out loud.
"..." She didn't say anything, she just listened.
"Am I trying to get a sense of fulfillment? Trying to find a way to spend time? Trying to make friends? What am I trying to do? I have no clue…"
Ah, damn. I've begun to ramble again, I've really got to deal with these depressive episodes that take hold over me.
A tiger doesn't change its stripes, or as the saying goes, old habits don't die easily.
"Selica," I called out her name, shifting my tone to a brighter one, "Ahaha, sorry for rambling on and on for so long, I'm just a little bit tired, that's it. I'm content with you all's progress, that's true, and I want you all to win the best places in the Tournament of the Strongest." I huffed, "Don't you dare come back without getting a good spot there."
"Of course, Helis." She smiled, her eyes slightly closing.
Damn it, why does it feel so similar to what happened on the first day of school.
"Phew, I'm over myself now, all that is left is to train you all a little more while I also deal with my own issues that I'm facing, I need to get stronger!" I was speaking a bit louder now, feeling that rush of positivity seeping in on me.
"Selica," I called out her name once more, "Thank you for tonight." I showed my gratitude with the kindest smile I could muster.
How could someone not fall for someone so understanding? I asked that question within myself.
That's right, it's impossible.
But I've got to wait.
Wait until I see it right to make her mine.
***
"Ladies and gents, the Tournament of the Strongest begins today! The first match is going to be between the Academy of Rora and Mayla."
"May the warriors Helis Roadgray and Lorn Down make their appearance and show us a worthy fight reaching up to their school's name and glory."
The commentator spoke my name and I finally started making my way towards the stage in the center of this colosseum, "A warrior from the town of swordsmen, Mayla, I wonder how he'll fare against me."
A little showcase of Helis's soft side, I hope you enjoyed this chapter and be hyped for the tournament chapters!